June 17 was a great day for a brunch. The Brunch Run 5k was held at Montrose Harbor with a course along the lakefront path. The event benefited Imerman Angels, a non-profit organization that provides free one-on-one support to cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers. The race offered onsite packet pick up and registration and there was ample free parking. The organization and smoothness of the event was quite impressive.
With temperatures in the low 70s, the 5k run and walk headed north along the lakefront path as an out and back course. The aid stations featured some brunch themed treats such as desserts and fauxmosas, a non-alcoholic mimosa. Fortunately, runners didn’t have to wait long to drink as they were treated to a mimosa bar and beer at the finish.
For an event with brunch in the title, the post-race food and drinks did not disappoint. Participants were treated to an impressive gourmet catered brunch buffet with bacon, eggs, potatoes, sandwiches, desserts, and more. There was also a cold-brewed coffee station for those that did not want to partake in traditional brunch beverages.
With the course on the lakefront path on a Saturday morning, it surprisingly was not too congested despite 1200 runners, and the decision to have the course head north toward the end of the trail helped. The race had corrals with 90 seconds in between waves which worked quite well. The flat course and mild temperatures produced some fast times.
Top 3 females were Alyssa Poremba (17:17), Heather Prekop, and Allison Hansen. The Top 3 males were Niko Jeftich (15:25), Cameron Rieger, and Rob Chenoweth.
